The Five Demands

Order’s fresh bid for Ardoyne march (UTV)

The Orange Order has said it is to re-apply to the Parades Commission to march past a north Belfast flashpoint next Saturday.

Order’s fresh bid for Ardoyne march
There have been protests in Twaddell since 12 July. (© Presseye)
However, in a bid to reach a resolution, the Order has changed the time of the parade from the afternoon to the morning.

The Orange Order’s three Ligoniel Lodges were barred from marching past the Ardoyne shops for the return journey on the July 12 celebrations.

On the Twelfth, violence erupted on the Woodvale Road and across parts of Belfast and in other areas of the province in reaction to the refusal to allow the bands past the contentious flash point.

However, in subsequent weeks, the Order has held peaceful parades along the Woodvale Road to police lines.

Supporters of the bands have also set up a protest camp on Twaddell Avenue and say they will not leave until the return leg of the Twelfth parade is allowed to pass.

On Sunday, the Orange Order released a statement saying it was to apply for another parade past the Ardoyne shops at an alternative time in a bid to allow the lodges to “return home”.

The Order said it will apply for the three lodges and two bands banned from parading past the Ardoyne Shops to march at 9am on Saturday 5 October.

The organisation said it wanted to contribute to the current “positive atmosphere” brought by the Haass talks and called for “tolerance” from Ardoyne residents.

It also said it was committed to “full and open” dialogue with the Ardoyne residents for next year’s parade which could begin “immediately after our return to Ligoneil Orange Hall”, the Order said.

Earlier this year the Orange Order and the Ardoyne residents engaged in dialogue ahead of the annual parade.

On the decision to re-apply for the parade, the Orange Order said: “This Initiative emanates from all such dialogue and takes cognisance of the views expressed by residents. It is made without prejudice to future engagement.

“We believe the time is right to launch this initiative to resolve the present impasse and address the unique situation that the Parades Commission determination created at Woodvale.”

We call on all involved in seeking a solution to this issue, to match our determination to achieve an equitable resolution.

Orange Order
“We are also conscious that the issue of parades, flags and the past are to be the subject of intensive and ongoing political discussion.

“We wish to contribute to a positive atmosphere for the Haass talks and assist them to reach a successful conclusion.

“This Initiative makes a clear commitment to future dialogue to ensure we do not find ourselves in a similar situation in 2014.”

The statement added: “This initiative has the full support of all our partners involved in the Civil Rights Camp.

“We thank all those who have supported our peaceful campaign and created the space to develop this initiative from a position of strength and unity of purpose.

“A few moments of tolerance on a quiet Saturday morning can move the situation forward and create a positive platform, both for the 2014 parades and the Haass talks.”

Responding, DUP leader and First Minister Peter Robinson said the onus was on nationalism to “show leadership”.

He said: “I commend the lodges and bands for launching this Twaddell initiative to resolve the situation.

“It has the full support of the DUP and its local elected representatives.”

The commitment and foresight of the offer of dialogue for 2014 is to be welcomed.

Peter Robinson
He went on: “The Parades Commission has failed to give due recognition to the dialogue in July this year and in previous years.

“Now they have the opportunity to do so.

“The onus is now upon nationalism to show leadership and to respond positively to this genuine attempt to reach accommodation.

“They must face down the elements in their community who wish to drag Northern Ireland back.

“The act of sharing a main arterial route for a few minutes would boost community relations in north Belfast significantly and generate a positive atmosphere for the Haass process.”

In September American ambassador Dr Richard Haass opened talks with the political parties and other interested groups.

The independent chair was invited by the First and Deputy First Ministers to hold negations and talks with various groups in a bid to help resolve issues surrounding parades, flags and the past.